Author's Notes: Sorry for the delay in my story. I was without internet for a few days, and therefore unable to write. But, I have internet again, so I am able to update. Yay! Reviews are loved! By the way, throughout this story, I will be bringing in other Rangers from the past.

Warnings: Drama, Violence, Language, Slash, AU

Disclaimer: I do not own anything Power Rangers and have written this story for fun

Summary: Some people were born different. While some lived normal lives and never embraced their secret, others accepted it and lived double-lives. What happens when the animal is set free and the ones you care about just don't understand?

As Jayden and Antonio approached the Shiba House, the feeling of remorse washed over Antonio like a tidal wave and he stopped dead in his tracks. He trembled a bit with nerves, wondering if he would be forgiven for his atrocious behavior during training.

"Hey. It's okay." Jayden said to Antonio when he noticed the other male had stopped. "I'm sure they'll forgive you." He tried to reassure, giving Antonio a small smile.

"But what if they don't? What if they hate me for life now?" Antonio exclaimed, practically hyperventilating in panic.

"Antonio…"

"What if they don't want me on the team anymore? Oh, no. What will I do?"

"Antonio…"

"If I can't be the gold Ranger anymore, then what's my life worth living for? What's the point in staying he-"

"ANTONIO!" Jayden yelled, effectively stopping the gold Ranger's panic. He inhaled deeply to calm himself, then exhaled as he looked at Antonio with a calm expression. "Antonio. Stop panicking. Think positive." He reached out and grasped the gold Ranger's hand lightly, reassuring him that things would be okay.

Antonio inhaled deeply, then exhaled as he nodded his head. "Yeah. Yeah, you're right. Think positive." He flashed a smile at Jayden and lightly squeezed his hands. "I'm okay now. Let's go." He said as he began to lead Jayden back to the Shiba House.

The two Rangers entered the Shiba House and immediately heard the voices of their fellow Rangers. Antonio was still a little nervous as he and Jayden made their way into the living room, where the other Rangers and Mentor Ji were sitting. Five pairs of eyes turned and landed on the pair as the air suddenly became thick with tension. Nobody knew what to say next.

It was Antonio who spoke up first. "Mike, I'm really sorry for the way I acted this morning. I don't know what came over me, and I never meant to hurt you like I did." He said, his voice laced with remorse and regret as he cast his deep brown eyes to the floor. He couldn't bear to see the reactions his apology would bring for fear of them being bad.

"Antonio," Mike began, the tone in his voice causing the gold Ranger to look up. "Look dude, it's alright. Things happen. It wasn't your fault." He said, flashing his trademark grin and holding his fist out for Antonio to bump. It was his way of showing that he forgave him. Plus, Mike was never one to hold a grudge.

A small smile crept its way to Antonio's face as he returned the fist bump, happy that he was forgiven.

"Yeah, Antonio." Emily spoke up, moving to the gold Ranger's side and touching his shoulder. "We all get a little carried away sometimes. It's no big deal." She told him, her voice cheery and full of energy. Just like Emily.

Suddenly, the Gap Sensor went off, and everyone went into Ranger mode. Mentor crossed the room and pulled up the city map in the middle of the coffee table. "It looks like the Nighlock is downtown, near the courthouse." He told the Rangers, who all nodded to themselves and headed out the back door.

Antonio suddenly stopped as he gripped his head and closed his eyes in obvious pain. Mentor and Jayden went to his side, and saw the deep brown eyes of the gold Ranger's flash liquid gold before returning to their original color. A very faint growl erupted from his throat after that, a sign that the wolf wanted to be loose. Thankfully, the others weren't around to hear it.

"Antonio, you must stay in control." Mentor's voice washed over him, entering his mind and managing to keep the beast at bay. "You cannot let the wolf take over."

"You're right. You're right." Antonio said as he inhaled, then exhaled. He looked at the two men and nodded his head. "I'm alright now. The beast is under control" 'But for how long?' He asked himself as he saw the other exchange a look before nodding to each other.

"Hey," Jayden said, gaining Antonio's attention. "After we defeat the Nighlock, why don't you go and be with the others. At least for a little while. They'll help you with the wolf." He suggested, knowing the other shifters can help keep the wolf under control because out of all the other shifters, the wolf was the most volatile if allowed to take over. Although Antonio was able to keep control most of the time, sometimes the wolf manages to overpower him and gets loose.

The gold Rangers throught about it for a few seconds, then nodded his head in agreement. "Alright. Sounds like a plan." He said resolutely. He needed to be around other shifters, needed to be the wolf for awhile. He knew being with the other shifters and being able to become the wolf would help keep it under control.

Jayden seemed satisfied with Antonio's answer, and the two Rangers raced out the back door, following their teammates into battle.